Sriracha sauce’s availability has been a bit wobbly across the country for the past couple of years, leading people to scratch their heads and wonder, “What’s going on with Sriracha?”
In this piece, we’re going to dive into why Sriracha has been playing hide-and-seek on store shelves, and also catch you up with the freshest news on where you might find this beloved hot sauce.
Is Sriracha Discontinued in 2023?
No need to panic, the beloved sauce hasn’t been discontinued in 2023!
But there’s a bit of a hiccup with the most popular brand, Huy Fong.
They’re running into a bit of a jam because of a shortage of chili peppers, the main ingredient in the sauce.
Huy Fong Foods, the name behind that rooster logo we all recognize, has hit the pause button on cranking out bulk quantities of its sauces. Why? They need to get their hands on more chili peppers from their suppliers.
So, what’s the game plan for us Sriracha devotees out there? Well, you might want to start treating your sriracha stash like a precious resource for a while.
Maybe check in with your local stores or online shops to see if they’ve got any bottles tucked away or if they can point you towards some tasty alternatives (but hey, no swiping bottles from restaurants, okay? Let’s keep it classy).
If you’ve got a bottle or two at home, it might be wise to show a little restraint and use it sparingly.
Is Sriracha Still Out Of Stock? When Will Sriracha Be Back?
Yeah, as of now, Huy Fong Sriracha is pretty much playing hide and seek in all the major online and local retail stores.
And if you do stumble upon a bottle, you might want to check your bank balance, because it’s going for some jaw-dropping prices. We’re talking about $123.99 on Amazon and $69.99 on eBay. Ouch!
So, what’s the scoop from Huy Fong Foods themselves? They’ve let the world know that “limited production has recently resumed” since the summer, but here’s the catch – they don’t sell directly to us hungry Sriracha fans.
So when will we see those spicy red bottles back on the shelves? They’re leaving us in suspense, saying they “cannot determine when the product will hit shelves again.”
The plot thickens, though. It seems some middlemen (those who get bottles from the company directly) might be having a bit of a field day with this whole situation. Maybe holding back some bottles, eyeing the demand, and thinking about cashing in by selling them at higher prices. Sneaky, right?
Bottom line, the Sriracha drought isn’t over, and there’s no rain dance that can tell us when it’ll be back to normal.
If you’ve got a stash, guard it with your life. If you don’t, well, buckle up and maybe explore some other saucy options until Huy Fong can spice up our lives again.
What Can You Use In Place Of Sriracha?
Here are some tasty alternatives that might just ease the burn of the shortage.
But first, before we panic, remember: Huy Fong might be the big name in Sriracha, but there are other brands out there like Tabasco, Dynasty, Roland, and so on.
Some of them are genuinely lip-smacking. Ever tried Sky Valley Sriracha? Trust me, it might give the big rooster a run for its money.
But hey, I get it. Maybe you’re looking at those price tags and thinking, “Eh, maybe not.” Fear not, my friend, because there’s a whole universe of sauces ready to spice up your life:
- Sambal Oelek: This Indonesian delight is thicker and packs a punch with its red chilies and vinegar. If you’re a spice adventurer, go ahead and sub it in. Just be ready for a little extra heat.
- Tabasco: Good ol’ American Tabasco. It’s got a sharp vinegar taste and is less sweet, but it’s a classic for a reason. Slap it on those eggs, and you’re good to go.
- Tapatio: If you’re craving some Mexican flair, Tapatio’s red chile peppers and slightly smoky flavor might just be the ticket. It’s tangy, thinner, but hey, we’re all about variety here.
- Cholula: Another Mexican gem. With arbol and pequin peppers, it’s complex, smoky, sweet, and less spicy. Think of it as Sriracha’s laid-back cousin.